THE WALL OF FACES

Dear John Yates,

Hello, My name is Crystal Yates and I would just like to tell you that I am proud of you and all those who died for the present and the future generation and may you rest in peace.

Thank You,
Crystal L. Yates

2nd LIEUTENANT


JOHN CHARLES YATES


served as the


COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF


of


COMPANY " B "

FIRST AMPHIBIAN TRACTOR BATTALION

THIRD MARINE DIVISION ( REINFORCED )


and was a posthumous recipient of the



NAVY CROSS


PURPLE HEART





~~~ SEMPER FIDELIS ~~~





YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



CITATION


FOR AWARD OF THE


NAVY CROSS


TO


2nd LIEUTENANT


JOHN CHARLES YATES



For extraordinary heroism while serving as the Communications Chief

of Company B, First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Third Marine Division

in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of

Vietnam. On the morning of 17 October 1968, Second Lieutenant

Yates, then a Staff Sergeant, was participating in the transportation of

Marines by amphibian tractor during operations north of the Cua Viet

River in Quang Tri Province. When informed that one of the vehicles

had detonated a hostile antitank mine, immobilizing the tractor and

trapping the driver inside, he unhesitatingly ran to the disabled and

flaming vehicle. Undaunted by the danger of potential explosions

from fire he observed within the tractor, he completely disregarded

his own safety as he fearlessly climbed on top of the vehicle. While

he was preparing to enter the tractor through the crew chief's hatch to

rescue the driver, the fuel cells within the vehicle exploded and

fatally injured Second Lieutenant Yates. By his courage, bold

initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Yates

inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the

United States Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

He gallantly gave his life for his country.